DDR Plans to Buy $250M Centers, Sell $200M Non-Performing in 2013

BEACHWOOD, OH—Mall giant DDR Corp. has released its guidance for 2013, including plans to acquire $250 million of prime shopping centers, sell $200 million of non-prime and non-income producing assets and bring $75 million of development online.

Last year, the REIT, through various interests, purchased $2.1 billion of prime shopping centers and sold $347 million of non-prime operating assets. During 2012, the trust leased about11.3 million sq. ft., representing a 60 basis point improvement in the leased rate over year-end 2011, and resulting in a 94.2 percent leased rate by Dec. 31.

Daniel B. Hurwitz, chief executive officer, said in a statement that 2012 was a success. “We have positioned the company for future growth with attractive investments, and our primary tenants continue to increase market share and have a significant need for new stores. With a dramatically improved portfolio of high quality prime power centers, a unique and proven operating platform, and a competitive cost of capital, we expect to generate strong relative total returns in 2013 and beyond,” he said.

The trust is an owner and manager of 459 value-oriented shopping centers representing 116 million sq. ft. in 39 states, Puerto Rico and Brazil.